Ugandan vocalist Praise Wisdom has been crowned the winner of the CRDB Bongo Star Search 2026 competition, marking a major achievement for the young singer after a highly competitive journey across Africa.
The 16th edition of the talent search competition concluded on Saturday, 18th July 2026, with the grand finale held in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, where Praise emerged as the overall winner.
The Ugandan singer defeated 70 contestants from different African countries to claim the top prize of TZS 50 million — an amount equivalent to more than UGX 70 million.
Alongside the cash prize, Praise also received a brand-new car and earned recognition as the newest champion of one of East Africa’s biggest talent competitions.
Her victory placed her ahead of contestants from countries including Rwanda, Burundi, Congo, Kenya, Tanzania, and others who competed for the prestigious title.
Praise Wisdom’s Journey to Victory
Praise Wisdom’s journey to the competition began after auditions held in Kenya, where she earned a place among the selected contestants.
She later joined the competition camp in Dar es Salaam, spending more than three months alongside other aspiring artists as they went through different stages of the star search.
Throughout the competition, Praise impressed both judges and audiences with her vocal ability and performances.
Her consistent performances eventually led her to the grand finale, where she delivered what organizers described as a memorable final performance.
The judges and audience ultimately agreed that she had earned the title of CRDB Bongo Star Search winner.
A New Milestone for Uganda’s Music Scene
Praise Wisdom’s victory represents another achievement for Uganda’s growing presence in regional entertainment competitions.
East Africa has continued to produce young talents who use platforms such as reality music competitions to showcase their abilities and reach wider audiences.
For Praise, the win provides an opportunity to introduce her talent to a broader audience while beginning a new chapter in her music journey.
CRDB Bongo Star Search is one of East Africa’s recognized talent competitions, bringing together young singers from across the region to compete for the opportunity to launch their music careers.
The competition has historically provided a platform for emerging artists to gain exposure, professional experience, and opportunities within the entertainment industry.
The 2026 edition attracted contestants from multiple African countries, making it a regional showcase of young musical talent.
Why It Matters
Talent competitions play an important role in discovering and supporting emerging artists who may not otherwise have access to large platforms.
Praise Wisdom’s win highlights the growing pool of young vocal talent coming from Uganda and the wider East African region.
Her success also adds to Uganda’s growing representation in regional entertainment spaces, where artists continue to compete and collaborate across borders.
For the young vocalist, the victory represents the result of months of preparation, competition, and dedication.
From auditions in Kenya to spending more than three months in the Dar es Salaam camp, Praise’s journey required commitment and consistency before reaching the final stage.
Her achievement is now expected to inspire other young musicians hoping to turn their passion into professional careers.
Praise Wisdom’s CRDB Bongo Star Search victory has placed her among East Africa’s rising music talents, with fans now watching to see how she builds on this major breakthrough.